Reds fan does backflip in front of cop on field, gets zapped

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An acrobatic Cincinnati Reds fan got more than he bargained for after running onto the field at Great American Ballpark Tuesday night.

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A man ran onto the field during the ninth inning of a game between the Reds and Cleveland Guardians, did a backflip in front of a police officer and was shocked with a Taser as he tried to run away. The incident was all caught on video and shared widely on social media.

William Hendon, 19, was arrested and booked into the Hamilton County Jail after the incident, according to Fox News and held overnight without bond. He was charged with criminal trespass, a felony, and a misdemeanor obstructing official business charge, Fox News said in the report, quoting jail records.

The felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor Wednesday at the request of prosecutors, according to fox19.com.

Hendon, still wearing his Johnny Bench Reds jersey, pleaded not guilty during an appearance before Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge William Mallory and was released on his own recognizance. He will have a pre-trial hearing on July 3.

According to a police report, Hendon, a student at Ohio State University, allegedly “did knowingly run onto the Reds playing field during the game without permission to do so.”

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Cincinnati police said they would review the actions of the cop who used his Taser on Hendon, which they said was routine.

“As with any instance of use of force, this incident will be investigated in accordance with CPD’s policies and procedures,” Lt. Jonathan Cunningham said in a prepared statement. “The officers’ quick response allowed the game to continue uninterrupted for the players and fans in attendance.”

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